On Friday, March 17, 2023, over 90 Southern Pines Elementary students gathered in the school’s outdoor amphitheater to participate in the Pet Responsibility Program’s celebratory Assembly.
The students showed their knowledge of “How to help solve the Sad Problem of Overpopulation in Moore County” by enthusiastic responses to questions asked by PRC volunteer, Bill Russell.
Southern Pines Police Officer McNeill and his K9 partner, Titan, were special guests for the asembly. They demonstrated their teamwork and some fun commands or tricks. Officer McNeill then took questions from students about his work as a police officer and a K9 officer. K9 Titan showed his skill at finding a hidden object among the rocks near the Amphitheater. He found SPPD Sgt. Jason Embler’s keys.
Star Artist awards were given to several students for creative illustrations on paper bags that were donated to the Sandhills Spay & Neuter Veterinary Clinic for dispensing medications to pet owners, after a pet’s surgery. The winners were Anna N., Brooklyn T., Catalaya J., Colton B., Eliza C., Emily P., Grier J. and Ivey Grace J. Their illustrations can be seen in the slideshow below.
All the students entered a Speuter Story writing contest to illustrate the importance of spaying & neutering pets to control Pet Overpopulation. Among the winners were Cameron S., Taylor R., Brooklyn T. and Amya H. Their pets Tigger, Stripes, Gretel & T-Rex will be fixed. Many students had pets that were already Spayed & Neutered so vouchers were donated to others. Ryan & Nolan R. donated their voucher to Moore Humane, Carthage, NC. Jalen P. and Caysen D. donated their vouchers to teacher Ms. Rebekah Garner, to get her dogs Sam & Faith fixed. Shikira P. donated her voucher to Kayla W. for Rockstar. Weston H., Lena F. and Ben S. donated their vouchers back to PRC to be used for another pet in need.
The Promise poster was read and students replied with “I Promise” to signify their agreement to be responsible pet owners. Students will have the opportunity to sign the poster & it will be displayed in the school for all visitors to see.
We’re excited to have SPE’s 2023 4th graders as new Animal Advocates
